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Children's sermon

SermonStudio

A Bolt, A Nut, And A Washer -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Good morning, boys and girls.
Follow Me -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What it means to follow Christ.Props: None.
Target Practice -- Romans 3:21-25a, 27-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some rubber bands, candy to pass out to the children
Snakes On Your Plate -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a plastic or rubber snake and spider
How Refreshing! -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses
Look What Water Does! -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: water at the baptismal font
God Is Love -- 1 John 4:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ice and some rubber balls
The Clean Plate Club -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: bread crumbs
More Important Than We Thought -- Luke 20:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a garage sale item such as a picture or a lamp
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a spear
Standing Room Only -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs ("Standing Room Only," "Full," or "Sold Out")
Suffering ... A Good Teacher -- Hebrews 5:7-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a speeding ticket
Shower The People -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The experience of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jumping With Help -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: string or rope
Do You Choose Marge Or Chris? -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a candy bar and a glass of milk
You Need All The Pieces -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jigsaw puzzle
Ouch! Those Thistles! -- Matthew 13:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: weeds, some with thorns and thistles
Those Tempting Crayons -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some crayons and scissors
Heaven Will Wait -- 1 John 3:1-2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two exact kinds of packages that do not have the picture of the product on the outsid
A Lesson From Lettuce -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a good head of lettuce and a spoiled head of lettuce (or some other produce)
The Shouting Stones -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use on Palm Sunday)
Christ The King -- John 18:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a crown and a map of the world or a globe
A Treasure Hunt -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jewelry box hidden somewhere in the chancel
God Sees Right Through -- Hebrews 4:9-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big piece of clear plastic used to cover many or all of the children
A Reflection Of God's Love -- Matthew 27:11-54 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Teach the children how God views them.

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

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Death

Devotional

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Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

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Gathering Prayer

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Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Lions And Cows Dining Together: Seeing Is Believing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We must have a vision that peace is realistically attainable.
Interrupting The Interruption -- John 11:1-44 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Miracle Eleven Interrupting The InterruptionThe Text
Plays Well With Others: B+ -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If nothing else, the Christian should be congenial, amicable, and much better
Pearly Gates Entrance Exam -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it take to get into heaven?
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 52:13--53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1--19:42
Analysis Of A Saloon -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do churches and taverns offer the same services, and does our church do a bett
Jesus Meets The Official Spokesdemon -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Miracle One Jesus Meets The Official SpokesdemonThe Text
Let Me Tell You What You Believe -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: So many Christians are ignorant concerning the beliefs and doctrines of their
Can Compassion Be Turned On Like A Faucet? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we get motivated to actually love others?
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Exodus 20:1-17 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day We look to the cross of Jesus for salvation.
Get Over It! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We have to learn how to really forgive and accept forgiveness.
Enabling And Receiving Hospitality -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
The Text
No Yellow Flags! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians should be concerned about avoiding making mistakes.
I Embarrassed God Again Yesterday -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Each day we find a variety of ways to offend God and others and must be remind
Reformation Sunday -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Israel has been encamped at Shittim in the territory of Moab on the Eastern side of the Jordan River
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
We find before us a very worldly story of love and deceit on the part of two very worldly men.
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1--9 (C)
Great Windows One-liners -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
B1. The best computer you'll ever know is the one between your ears.
Most Unusual -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The church is the only institution on earth that will let you in free, and then trust your honor to
Eve And The Snake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the story of Adam and Eve, Eve ate the wrong thing; she should have eaten the snake!
What Moses Said -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
This story came from a tour guide in Israel:
Forgiveness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
To return evil for good is devil-like,To return evil for evil is animal-like,
The Seed Store -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man once dreamed he had entered a different kind of store.
Howdy, Neighbor! -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Ever notice how those who come wishing to test Jesus get tested themselves?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Hunger And Politics -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Yogi Berra, the great baseball player of an earlier age, was known for his unusual and creative use
Scaring The Church, So It Will Be The Church -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Sometimes when we read a passage of scripture, we may need to pay careful attention to who in the te
All About Me? -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- John N. Brittain -- 2007
Since we all know that one of life's cardinal rules in the twenty-first century is that "it's all ab
Getting Off The Merry-Go-Round -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Have you ever been stuck on a playground merry-go-round? You know how it goes.
A Question Of Loyalty -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the northwest corner of Georgia, just s
God's Doing -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Don had not worked like a dog for nothing.
Dreaming Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
Political Pardon -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
My parents were married in the wave of weddings that followed World War II.
Becoming Good Trees -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Most pastors have seen the damage caused when a purple-faced preacher has sought to scare a person i
With Our Own Eyes -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- John N. Brittain -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Leslie D.
Children Of The Heavenly Father -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Some consider it a secret. Others consider it almost a badge of honor.
Reversal And Victory -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
"When God is going to do something wonderful," author Anne Lamott claims, "God always starts with a
Just A Crazy Story -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
Zack had seen the movie.
Now I See -- John 9:1-41 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.
Why Is God Unfair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
One of my favorite courses to teach is "Introduction to Biblical Literature." It is a 200-level cour
God's Weather Report -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
In the 1985 movie, Witness, Harrison Ford plays a tough Philadelphia detective who uncovers c
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.
How Jesus' Friendship Makes Your Burdens Light -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has.
A Vision Of Hope -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Difficult times not only try a person's soul but frequently force a person to step up to a new chall
A Vision Vanished -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
Arnold Toivonen was headed to work at 5:06 a.m.
Healing Tears -- John 11:1-45 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
When we came up out of the tomb of Lazarus, the other half of our touring group, who were waiting th
A Career In The Kingdom -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
When Sadie and Bessie, the famed "Delany Sisters," were in the early years of their second centuries
Kingdoms In Conflict -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
When Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1958, the team was in dismal
Choosing A Master -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
It was supposed to have been fun. No one was supposed to have gotten hurt.
In The Balance -- Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"He started it." You've probably heard that from the backseat or from a distant bedroom.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good." (Titus 2:7 NIV)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The first priority of my life is to be holy, and the second goal of my life is to be a scholar." (J
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Competition
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Should He Or Shouldn't He? -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Gilbert was about to graduate from seminary.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smile "All people smile in the same language." (Anonymous)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no sweeter name than -- Mother.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
New Year
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers know that the best medicine chest for ailing families is the Bible.
Their Vow Of Poverty -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
I grew up in a predominately Catholic town, and I have three friends who are priests.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Envy "Everybody loves success, but they hate successful people." (John McEnroe)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit is the divine energy that produces the spiritual life." (Bertha Munro)
The Fullness Of Life -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Some in our generation grew up hearing about World War II.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is practical living.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I think it must somewhere be written that the virtues of mothers shall occasionally be visited on t
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother should never make differences between her children, but love them all.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not a place to linger, but a pathway to walk.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Conflict
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Lie "A lie stands on one leg, truth on two." (Benjamin Franklin)
The Wise And The Foolish Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Jacopo Tintoretto paints a stunning portrayal of The Parable of The Wise and The Foolish Virgins.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Irresponsibility
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"No language can express the power and beauty and heroism and majesty of a mother's love.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Acceptance

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
HymnsEat This Bread (CBH471, UM628)
The Triumph Of The Lamb -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 53: 4-5)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsI Want To Be Ready (NCH616)
Responsibility -- James 1:23-25, Luke 10:25-37 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod as Creator provides order and abundance.
Easter -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to share and to shout good news.
The New Covenant In The Old -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
HymnsAt The Name Of Jesus (UM168, CBH342, PH148)
Gradually Slipping Away -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsLet Us Break Bread Together (NCH330, CBH618)
The Risen Christ -- John 21:1-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod is never far from any of us.
Father -- Ephesians 6:1-4 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere is a vastness and wonder to God that we can in no way describe.
Consecration Service For Choirs -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Special ServicesConsecration Service For Choirs
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
HymnsCantemos al Senor (O Sing To The Lord) (UM149, CBH55, NCH39, PH472)
All The Families Of The Earth Shall Be Blessed -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16, John 14:1-14 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsIn You, Lord, I Have Put My Trust (PH183)
Sabbath -- Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 13:10-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIndeed, this is a day of rest and gladness.
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipO God, we enter your gates with thanksgiving;
Not By Our Own Strength -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
HymnsRejoice, Ye Pure In Heart (UM160, 16l, NCH55, 71, PH145, 146, LBW553)
Massah And Meribah -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20, John 14:15-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsOur Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Saints -- John 6:20-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Romans 10:14-18, John 20:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThis is the second Sunday of Easter.
Freedom -- James 1:25 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe praise the God who made us -
Listen! -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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